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2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu arriving in dealerships this fall will be the first midsize sedan sold in the U.S. to offer fuel-saving stop/start technology standard on its 2.5L base model.

The Malibu has an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg – a 14 percent improvement in city fuel economy – at a starting price of $22,965, including an $825 destination charge but excluding tax, title, and license and dealer fees.

Stop/start technology helps customers conserve fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at stoplights. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. During engine restarts, an auxiliary 12-volt battery powers electric accessories such as heating and air conditioning, power windows and radio.

“The key was to apply the knowledge we gained from our eAssist technology,” said Todd Pawlik, Malibu chief engineer. “By leveraging knowledge from the stop/start system we use on eAssist, we were able to significantly improve city fuel ratings by 3 mpg, or 14 percent on Malibu’s entry-level 2.5L model, compared to the 2013 model.”

Malibu’s stop/start system monitors – among other things – vehicle speed, climate control system operation and the force a driver applies to the brake pedal, to determine whether it is efficient to shut off the engine in certain driving conditions, such as stop-and-go driving.

In addition to stop/start technology, Chevrolet engineers incorporated valve-actuation technology known as Intake Valve Lift Control into Malibu’s 2.5L engine, which also contributes to improved fuel economy.

When the Intake Valve Lift Control system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine. The variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also boosting low-rpm torque for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds.

A new six-speed transmission makes its first appearance in the 2014 Malibu 2.5L. The 6T45 transmission includes improvements that reduce the energy required to pump transmission fluid, which enables additional fuel economy savings.

The new technologies on the 2.5L model enable the Malibu to deliver a higher combined fuel economy rating than the base engines of several midsize sedan competitors, including the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Chrysler 200.

“In this competitive midsize segment, there is no standing still,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet marketing vice president. “In addition to fuel economy improvements, the 2014 Malibu is roomier and more refined than its predecessor.”

Additional new features on the 2014 Malibu include:

Revised front-end appearance

Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room

Redesigned center console

Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more dynamic driving experience

Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features

Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 -Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand

The 2014 Malibu is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels.

The 2.5L engine base powertrain starts at $22,965 for the LS, $24,335 for the 1LT, $26,040 for the 2LT and $28,515 for the top LTZ trim. All suggested retail prices include an $825 destination charge, but exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

I'm glad to see Stop/Start getting more mainstream, but I'm interested in seeing what the difference is between this and actual eAssist—that is, right now one highway MPG is all that separates those two configurations. How much of that is the 2.4 and how much of that is eAssist just not being a good deal?

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

Originally Posted by danup

I'm glad to see Stop/Start getting more mainstream, but I'm interested in seeing what the difference is between this and actual eAssist—that is, right now one highway MPG is all that separates those two configurations. How much of that is the 2.4 and how much of that is eAssist just not being a good deal?

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

Originally Posted by goatgary

Stop/Start today is totally different technology and completely seamless. Transition undetectable. Why waste gas at traffic lights if you don't have to?

I was reading these first few responses and came up with an even better scenario. How about those long waits at the fast food place or the drive up window at the bank? Sometimes that wait seems to go on forever. There it is a good idea and from what reading I've done elsewhere, it looks like they've done they're homework on this so y'all quit yer bitchin till we see for sure or it gets proven otherwise thank you.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

Originally Posted by 1958carnut

I was reading these first few responses and came up with an even better scenario. How about those long waits at the fast food place or the drive up window at the bank? Sometimes that wait seems to go on forever.

Or how about when you're on one of the world's busiest highways and traffic is near bumper to bumper for miles and a serious crash happens a half mile ahead of you. The traffic is backed up for 20 miles and it's 105 degrees outside.
CAN YOU TURN THIS STOP / START OFF?

Quote form BlackGTP ........The first and third posts to this thread are negative

Is that really a negative post?
There are manyreasons why you just might want to turn this off.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Mainstreaming Stop/Start Technology

Originally Posted by Tim

Was done a few years back on the 4T45-E transmission. Back then it was called BAS (Belt Alternator Starter)

Didn't go over well and I'm suprised they brought it back. ☺

Not exactly the same thing... Folks didn't want the BAS System simply because it was an expensive option. For the same price, or very close to it, one could've purchased a "true" hybrid system from Ford or Toyota... This start/stop feature is standard on the 2014 Malibu. Get used to it... This will be standard on all cars within 5-7 years...

Originally Posted by hunchman

Does anyone know if you can turn off the stop start feature ?

I believe there is not going to be a way for a driver to simply shut it off...

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